When you're reaching the start of another decade (turning 70) and dreading it.

[Tolkienista]

Well not quite yet......almost 27 months time I turn 70. Ouch, I can hardly say that number without wincing.
I've never really been a birthday person, always glad when it's over for another year and the years are simply flying by. I look at celebs who celebrate their landmark birthdays in style, very publicly, very loudly and it's just not in my makeup.
I remember turning 60 like yesterday and I thought I was so old, but now I'd give anything to be turning 60 again.

I don't know if it's others perceptions of you at certain ages that I dread most.
I'm fit, slim and healthy, (both physically and mentally) not on any medication at all, I can't remember the last time I saw my GP.
I'm very comfortable financially, have close family and friends.
Retired from a fantastic career in teaching with great memories.
I always see the positive in everything and the good in people, but turning 70 feels like old age is imminent and it's kind of dominating my thoughts.

Snap me out of this negativity and share your positivity on preparing to reach a new decade.....27 months away with something I just don't have in my possession.

I'm 65. I've had cancer. I will be really happy to reach 70!

I will be 61 in a few weeks.
Last night I wrote on a group chat of very dear friends
' I don't tthink I thought very much about what my life might look like at this age but I dont think I thought I would be bald, tucked up in bed at 9 with a naughty kitten, eating a double raspberry Magnum and loving my fresh bedding. But I didnt think I would have my son or you lot either '
I was diagnosed with cancer in February. I I'm financially ruined, I dont know what the future holds. If I can get to 70 I'll be quite chuffed.
I've never really worried about my age. My life has had its ups and downs like most people. But Ive always been grateful for what I've had.
Now I just want to see my son settled in life.
Its a cliche, but some people won't see 70. You have had time that many people don't get.
Just enjoy what you have for as long as you have it.

I think if you feel the way you do at almost 70, I would celebrate that and not the number. I'm sure you're aware of many people your age who have health/mobility problems and are seeming to age rapidly. Looking at it that way, the number 70 doesn't really have any meaning. You must be doing something right, so I would focus on that.

I'm in my 70's and loving life. Make sure you're keeping fit and agile and eating properly. Being full of energy is key and having a full week of activities. Even if that is just walking everyday.

If you turn 70 (in 27 months time). If, not when. The future isn't guaranteed.

Maybe if you stopped taking the future for granted, you'd be more appreciative of what you have now.

27 months away and you’re thinking/worrying about it now? You’ve got a way to go yet, don’t spoil it for yourself

I am fit and healthy and like others I take no prescribed medication and have not seen my GP for over two years.
I will be 80 next year and am thinking of hosting a party (I would simply hire a function room at a local pub)
Life is for enjoying not for counting years

Life is a series of losses, and ageing is a process of losses. It's better to grieve those losses as you go along and allow yourself to be sad as it will help you then move on and focus on the positives. If you are someone who constantly tries not to dwell on losses/negative things unfortunately they pile up even more.

I have never understood the fuss about zero-ending birthdays. Why is 60 supposed to be so much more exciting than 59 or 61? One might say the same for 70.
If you're in good health, OP, simply forget about it because 1) it's just an irrelevant number and 2) it's over 2 years away!

Imagine it's your 70th birthday.

You look back at the last 27 months. Will you -
a) Think 'I'm an idiot. I wasted those months mithering about something inevitable and ridiculous'?
b) Look back on all the magnificent, exciting, creative, love and happiness filled moments you had during those months and feel proud and content?
c) be dead?

I saw an interview with Nicky Chapman recently. She had a brain tumour which has been successfully removed. The interviewer asked her how she felt about turning 60. Nicky replied, 'Grateful'.

Some poor souls don't even live 27 months.

EAT LIFE WHOLE!

Whilst I agree that “Life is for enjoying not for counting years”, at your age it’s a little careless not to have an annual check-up, or at least get some blood work and a FIT test done.

Very humbled by the latest batch of messages that have been written overnight & today especially those who've had life threatening illness.
Eeryone is so right......stop mithering about a birthday that is 27 months away and just live your life.
I totally agree, but I know what I'm like and as the big "0" approaches I'll feel anxious, it's just part of my make up.

I know what I'd say to someone turning 40, 50, 60. Live in the present, don't worry too much about the future and just live your life the way you want to, looking after yourself in the process.

Exactly. My mum didn’t make it to 70. Life is random. Just try to enjoy every moment x

Inevitably, the major part of your life at 70 has already gone, and I think the (mostly) unspoken knowledge of this is what bothers people. Anno domini and all that.

But there are no guarantees so just get on with it. When I was feeling unenthusiastic about my recent 0 birthday, I reminded myself that my twin brother only made it to 3.

I'm still here, still muddling through,despite life's ups and downs. Celebrate that.

You might not get to tomorrow so stop worrying.

I didn’t mind turning 70, but I had a meltdown last week on my 75th! Caught sight of myself in the mirror with no clothes on, and no matter that my brain tells me I’m still in my 50s the mirror confirmed I’m not !!

Late 60s here. The bible promises 3 score years and 10. So every day over 70 is a bonus.

A lot of my life has been wasted at school, university and work, so at least now I am retired, whatever time I have left is mine to do with as I wish.

27 months? You mean more than 2 years away?
Cop yourself on. Seriously. What a waste of time. Plus a lot can happen in 27 months. Are you going to spend it angry that u turn 68 and then 69?
2 family members passed in the last 2 years. One in an instant and one 9 months from dignosis to the end. One 63 and one 56.
Nothing is guaranteed.
Get out and enjoy each day. Find joy in each day.
Oh, and see a doctor. No gp in 2 years at your age is just reckless.

I am almost sure that my GP.does not offer annual check ups I think they should be offered to everyone over 70 but as far as I know they are not.
I have no idea what a FIT test is.
My wife is the same age and when she was in hospital last year I asked the physio why she was not doing more. He said it was because if her age I responded by saying I had just walked up the stairs to the ward on the 8th floor

If you don’t ask you don’t get, @Tolkienista . Having said that, my GP surgery invites me for all kinds of tests that are usually done by a GP assistant or a nurse - including general ‘how are you doing tests’ for over 70s, blood work, especially to check for diabetes, blood pressure monitoring, lung function tests, FIT tests to check for bowel cancer (poo test sent through the post).

The two ladies I have seen were very thorough - they have more time than GPs. One even contacted a microbiologist to check my results. I make the most of these appointments by doing a bit of online research beforehand and go in with a prepared list of questions.

I think it is really important to be proactive when it comes to healthcare, especially as one gets older. I have been getting colonoscopies and a DEXA scan privately as the NHS unfortunately does not offer these routinely.

Just want to clear something up which I've noticed in a couple of responses about my lack of visits to my GP .
In my original post, I said "i can't remember the last time I saw my GP" Genuinely couldn't remember.
Went through my diary and it was last August. Went in with niggling hand pain and discovered I've got osteoarthritis at the base of my right thumb. It's okay, I take pain killers from time to time but that's it. Had my blood pressure checked at the time with my GP all good.

I've had a mammogram in the past year all clear, bowel cancer kit in the post all clear. I have an annual flu jab. I am very proactive with my health, but thankfully I'm not on any medication.